F1 Champs Button and Hamilton to Race McLaren MP4-12C at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The upcoming McLaren MP4-12C will make its first public outing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from Thursday 1- Sunday 4 July 2010. Event goers and enthusiasts alike will also get the chance to see McLaren's new supercar in action as reigning F1 champion Jenson Button and 2008 F1 champion Lewis Hamilton will drive the MP4-12C up Goodwood Hill on Saturday and Sunday respectively in the Supercar Run

Following their test of an 'XP Beta' 12C prototype at Goodwood Motor Circuit in March this year, Jenson and Lewis will now get behind the wheel of the newer (as in further developed) VP9 Validation Prototype car.

McLaren said that the latest prototype version will be finished in a 'traditional' orange hue and ride on lightweight forged alloy wheels in a Stealth finish, adding that the car will feature a carbon fibre splitter, diffuser, engine covers, engine bay panels and seat backs.

Powered by a mid-mounted 3.8 liter V8 with 600HP, the new MP4-12C will go on sale in Spring 2011. McLaren has not yet released pricing on the MP4-12C, but the company stated that it will compete with cars in the 'core' high performance sports car sector, priced between £125,000-£175,000.

2011 BMW 5-Series Sedan with M Sport Package: First Photos

The first real-life photos of the 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan [F10] spiced up with the new M Sports Package were leaked on the web today. Previously seen on the 5-Series Touring through some brochure shots, the package adds numerous bits such as a typical M style front bumper, more aggressive side skirts a subtle boot lid spoiler, rear diffuser finished in a dark shade, chrome tail pipes and satin-finished chrome door sills.

Buyers also appear to have the option of two different alloy wheels, the 18-inch multi spoke 350Ms with 245/45 R18 tires and the 19-inch double spoke 351Ms shod in 245/40 R19 tires.

The M Sports treatment also adds sporty touches to the interior, including a three-spoke steering wheel with a thicker rim, roof lining in anthracite, sport seats in cloth and alcantara, M-branded automatic and manual gearbox knobs, and special decorative trim for the dashboard and door panels.

We're still short on the full details package, but some chassis upgrades such as a sportier suspension for better handling and stability should part of the package.

Photos: 5post